“My father was missing some very important meeting, and my stepmother from Oz? I'm sure she was missing her brain.”

“Mrs Collins brushed past me. My mind remained blank as i watched her walk down the hallway. For the first time, i missed the brain cells i'd fried.”

“She launched herself at me. I closed my eyes the moment her arms slipped around my neck. I slid my hands to familiar places and reveled in her delicious smell. For three weeks I’d felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. Her body fit perfectly into mine, making me feel whole again. "I’ve missed you." I swore Echo clutched me tighter before stepping back. "I’m sorry. That was totally inappropriate." Begrudgingly I let go, chuckling. "I’m all about inappropriate." Her laughter healed and stung at the same time. "Yeah, you are." She bit her lip and my smile grew when her eyes wandered down then back up my body. Echo blinked.”

“I've missed you Noah." "I've missed you, too, little bro. I'm so proud of you.”

“Don’t hide from me, baby. We’ve been through too much for that.”Echo leaned into me, placing her head on my shoulder and letting me wrap an arm around her. “I’ve missed you, too, Noah. I’m tired of ignoring you.”“Then don’t.” Ignoring her hurt like hell. Acknowledging her had to be better.”

“No, really, Noah," she said. "I'll wait until you 're dressed." So i could miss that blush creeping across her face? No way.”

“No, baby, no," i whispered into her hair.She pushed her palms against my chest, then became a blur as she ran past. "I'm sorry.”